Kirklees Older People’s Network (KOP) have appointed Richard Palmer as their new chairperson. He is a member of the OlderPersons Transportation Forum, Huddersfield & District Pensioners Association and also has a place on the Older Peoples Partnership Board. He brings with him years of experience and worked in management for Citizens’ Advice.
Richard joins Kirklees Older Peoples Network (KOP) at a really exciting time following a successful Awards for All funding application to expand the scope and work in establishing 50+ Forums across Kirklees. It is also a worrying time when older people especially are concerned about changes in health and social care services. KOP’s role is to give older people a voice in Kirklees. It has already established a 50+ forum in North Kirklees, covering Dewsbury, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton and Birstall, which has recently discussed concerns and interests of older people with transport experts, housing managers, hospital managers, health professionals, social care managers and energy professionals. Plans are afoot to set up similar forums in Huddersfield and South Kirklees. Anyone is welcome to attend the forums to find out more and to put forward their views on key topic areas for older people. Metro Access buses are on the agenda for the next 50+ Forum on 26th January 2012, 2.00pm at Batley Old People’s Centre,Upper Commercial Street , Batley. Details are available from Batley Resource Centre, tel: 01924 326331.
Richard said “I am really honoured to have been elected as Chairman of the Kirklees Older Peoples Network!
“With recent trends in early retirement and organisations down-sizing their senior work force to cut expenditure, there is a great deal of knowledge, life experience and down to earth common-sense that could be lost. Knowledge is power and all older people can be part of that powerful voice and have a vital contribution to make in the local community.
“We all have a voice and we should use that voice to influence change. Some of us are more able and comfortable to express our opinions but we must not lose sight of the “hidden” people – those who live alone and have no contact with the rest of the community for whatever reason. They have to be heard too – if not, we are failing to recognise the contribution they have made to the foundations of the community today.
KOPis entering a new phase and I am hoping that we can enter into as many partnerships with other agencies and organisations to ensure that older people have a stronger voice influencing planning for the future”
When Richard is not representing the older people of Kirklees he finds time to enjoy music and literature and theatre, and spend time with his West Highland Terriers. He is a keen crafter and scrap booker. He makes greetings cards for a local charity to sell for fundraising and some of his private commissions has been sent all over the world.
